Late to the party. Still a pretty new sharpening (approx 2 years in) but I just stick with water stones.but nothing against any other option like oil or what not. Just what I started with and stuck to.
I like the naniwa pro line (Aka chosera). But I recognize that is pricy AF. So alternatively I really like the cerax stones. Builds great mud and fantastic feedback for not a lot of money.
I do hear shaptons are phenomenal since they stay flat for so long so you can save on flattening stones (but always recommended)
As far as purchasing I always found sharpening supplies to be the best price. I do avoid Amazon because you never know exactly what you are getting (and I guess you can say I’m biased towards trying to support business that are exclusive in the hobby). Additionally you get crap results like pebble or dalstrong stones that are highly rated but are crap. which I have regretfully, and shamefully, bought.
But there are so many other great options so I don’t think you can go wrong form any thing in the specialty store.
I like the naniwa pro line (Aka chosera). But I recognize that is pricy AF. So alternatively I really like the cerax stones. Builds great mud and fantastic feedback for not a lot of money.
I do hear shaptons are phenomenal since they stay flat for so long so you can save on flattening stones (but always recommended)
As far as purchasing I always found sharpening supplies to be the best price. I do avoid Amazon because you never know exactly what you are getting (and I guess you can say I’m biased towards trying to support business that are exclusive in the hobby). Additionally you get crap results like pebble or dalstrong stones that are highly rated but are crap. which I have regretfully, and shamefully, bought.
But there are so many other great options so I don’t think you can go wrong form any thing in the specialty store.